TREATMENT

Atherectomy

VASCULAR & PLAQUE-REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Atherectomy is a minimally invasive vascular procedure used to remove or reduce plaque inside selected narrowed arteries. It may be used for certain peripheral arterial disease blockages, often as part of a broader treatment plan with angioplasty or stenting.
  • Removes plaque buildup
  • Treats selected PAD blockages
  • Uses catheter guidance
  • May support angioplasty
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Evaluation & Next Steps

  • Clear severity assessment and next steps
  • Supportive care and recovery guidance
  • Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
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Quick Summary

Key takeaway: Atherectomy uses specialized catheter-based tools to shave, cut, sand, or remove plaque from inside selected arteries.

The procedure may be considered when plaque is heavily calcified, bulky, or positioned in a way that makes vessel preparation helpful before angioplasty or stenting. Treatment planning depends on blockage type, vessel anatomy, symptoms, and circulation needs.

WHAT IS ATHERECTOMY?

Atherectomy is a catheter-based procedure used to remove or reduce plaque buildup from inside an artery. A specialized device is guided through the blood vessel to the narrowed area, where plaque is shaved, cut, sanded, or otherwise cleared depending on the device used.

Atherectomy may be used before angioplasty or stenting to prepare the vessel and improve blood flow. It is most often considered in selected peripheral arterial disease cases, especially when plaque is hard, bulky, or calcified.

Atherectomy is not appropriate for every arterial blockage. Some patients may be better treated with angioplasty, stenting, bypass surgery, medication, walking therapy, or wound-focused care depending on the vascular problem.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • PAD-related blockage
  • Calcified plaque
  • Poor leg circulation
  • Wound healing concern
  • Suitable vessel anatomy
A full evaluation helps determine whether atherectomy is appropriate based on symptoms, circulation testing, imaging findings, plaque type, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

Atherectomy may be considered for selected arterial conditions where plaque buildup is limiting blood flow and vessel preparation may improve treatment.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Plaque buildup in leg arteries can reduce blood flow and cause walking pain, wounds, or poor circulation.

Calcified Arterial Plaque

Hard plaque may require specialized treatment before balloon angioplasty or stenting.

Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Severe circulation loss may cause rest pain, tissue damage, or wounds that do not heal.

Non-Healing Wounds

Improving blood flow may support wound healing when poor circulation is a major factor.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Reduces plaque burden
  • May improve blood flow
  • Prepares the vessel
  • Supports limb circulation
  • Uses small access point
Benefits depend on plaque type, vessel anatomy, disease severity, treatment goals, and follow-up care.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

Atherectomy is performed with imaging guidance. A catheter-based device is guided to the plaque, and the device removes or reduces plaque before blood flow is reassessed.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Vascular imaging is reviewed
  • Circulation testing is checked
  • Medications are reviewed

During the Procedure

  • A catheter is placed
  • Plaque is targeted
  • Blood flow is checked

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Access site is monitored
  • Activity limits may apply
  • Follow-up testing may occur

Risks / Considerations

  • Bleeding can occur
  • Vessel injury is possible
  • More treatment may be needed

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Depending on plaque type, vessel response, and treatment goals, atherectomy may be considered alongside other arterial procedures.

Angioplasty

A balloon-based procedure used to open narrowed arteries and improve blood flow.

Vascular Stenting

A stent-based procedure used to support selected vessels after narrowing is treated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atherectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter-based device to remove or reduce plaque buildup inside selected arteries.
It may be used for selected PAD blockages, especially when plaque is bulky, hard, calcified, or needs preparation before angioplasty or stenting.
No. Atherectomy removes or reduces plaque, while angioplasty uses a balloon to widen the artery. Sometimes both are used together.
No. Atherectomy can treat a specific blockage, but PAD is a chronic condition that also requires medication, walking, risk-factor control, and follow-up.
Risks may include bleeding, bruising, vessel injury, plaque or clot movement, re-narrowing, incomplete treatment, or need for additional procedures.
The best option depends on symptoms, circulation testing, imaging findings, blockage location, plaque type, vessel size, and overall health.

Locations

LVVIS offers vascular evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.

LVVIS West Side Consultation Office

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Consultations and vascular evaluations

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LV2 Limb & Vascular Division

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care

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LVVIS East Procedure Office

2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care

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LVVIS West Side Surgical Center

6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Advanced vascular and interventional procedures

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